Menu
08/10/2009
Jewellery 'Solves' M5 Bones Mystery
It has emerged that items of jewellery found with human remains found on a motorway sliproad near Bristol helped identify the body.
Police are now sure that the remains are that of Melanie Hall who disappeared 13 years ago.
The 25-year-old psychology graduate, from Bradford Leigh, Wiltshire, disappeared in June 1996 after a night out in Bath.
Police showed the jewellery to her parents, Pat and Steve Hall, who have confirmed it was hers.
Further tests are being carried out on the remains - found in a bag and buried near a slip road at junction 14 of the M5, north of Bristol, on Monday.
Their daughter, who worked as a clerical officer at Bath's Royal United Hospital, was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcott Street, at about 1am on 9 June.
Despite a police reward of £10,000 and several appeals on television, no trace of Miss Hall had been found.
A workman clearing vegetation on the slip road off the northbound M5 found a number of bones, including a skull and pelvis.
Other remains were found partially buried nearby.
Forensic science experts sealed off the area on Monday afternoon following the discovery at the exit for Thornbury, in South Gloucestershire.
In 2003, police arrested two men in connection with her disappearance but they were released without charge after police searched buildings and a field near Bath.
At an inquest, Avon coroner Paul Forrest said a lack of evidence meant he would have to record an open verdict, but the circumstances of the case suggested Miss Hall had been unlawfully killed.
See: M5 Bones 'Confirmed Human'
(BMcC/GK)
Police are now sure that the remains are that of Melanie Hall who disappeared 13 years ago.
The 25-year-old psychology graduate, from Bradford Leigh, Wiltshire, disappeared in June 1996 after a night out in Bath.
Police showed the jewellery to her parents, Pat and Steve Hall, who have confirmed it was hers.
Further tests are being carried out on the remains - found in a bag and buried near a slip road at junction 14 of the M5, north of Bristol, on Monday.
Their daughter, who worked as a clerical officer at Bath's Royal United Hospital, was last seen at Cadillacs nightclub in Walcott Street, at about 1am on 9 June.
Despite a police reward of £10,000 and several appeals on television, no trace of Miss Hall had been found.
A workman clearing vegetation on the slip road off the northbound M5 found a number of bones, including a skull and pelvis.
Other remains were found partially buried nearby.
Forensic science experts sealed off the area on Monday afternoon following the discovery at the exit for Thornbury, in South Gloucestershire.
In 2003, police arrested two men in connection with her disappearance but they were released without charge after police searched buildings and a field near Bath.
At an inquest, Avon coroner Paul Forrest said a lack of evidence meant he would have to record an open verdict, but the circumstances of the case suggested Miss Hall had been unlawfully killed.
See: M5 Bones 'Confirmed Human'
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 March 2014
Human Remains Found During Search For Missing Woman
Police Scotland have confirmed that human remains have been found during the search for missing 19-year-old Hazel North. A search had been ongoing for Ms North, who was from Dunfermline and has been missing since 04 March. Police have not yet been confirmed if the remains found in Dean Park are those of Ms North.
Human Remains Found During Search For Missing Woman
Police Scotland have confirmed that human remains have been found during the search for missing 19-year-old Hazel North. A search had been ongoing for Ms North, who was from Dunfermline and has been missing since 04 March. Police have not yet been confirmed if the remains found in Dean Park are those of Ms North.
29 August 2014
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
07 August 2012
Burnt Remains Found Beneath Car Park Fire
Police are investigation the discovery of burnt human remains found beneath a pile of burning debris in a Sainsbury’s carp park. A police dog handler spotted the fire in the supermarket car park in Chippenham in Wilts during a routine patrol around 3 am on Tuesday morning. The body was discovered once firefighters had extinguished the fire.
Burnt Remains Found Beneath Car Park Fire
Police are investigation the discovery of burnt human remains found beneath a pile of burning debris in a Sainsbury’s carp park. A police dog handler spotted the fire in the supermarket car park in Chippenham in Wilts during a routine patrol around 3 am on Tuesday morning. The body was discovered once firefighters had extinguished the fire.
27 November 2006
Couple found dead in museum
Police are investigating a suspected murder and suicide at the World Museum in Liverpool. Merseyside Police were called to the World Museum on Sunday, following reports that a man had fallen to his death from a balcony. However, police then discovered a teenage girl suffering from stab wounds. The pair were taken to hospital where both later died.
Couple found dead in museum
Police are investigating a suspected murder and suicide at the World Museum in Liverpool. Merseyside Police were called to the World Museum on Sunday, following reports that a man had fallen to his death from a balcony. However, police then discovered a teenage girl suffering from stab wounds. The pair were taken to hospital where both later died.
01 September 2010
Man Arrested Over Melanie Hall Murder
Police investigating the murder of Melanie Hall have arrested a 39-year-old man. Melanie, 25, from Wiltshire, disappeared in 1996 after a night out at Cadillac's nightclub in Bath. Her remains were found on a slip road near Junction 14 of the M5 in South Gloucestershire last October.
Man Arrested Over Melanie Hall Murder
Police investigating the murder of Melanie Hall have arrested a 39-year-old man. Melanie, 25, from Wiltshire, disappeared in 1996 after a night out at Cadillac's nightclub in Bath. Her remains were found on a slip road near Junction 14 of the M5 in South Gloucestershire last October.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
